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We're introducing 5 photographers to the CTXYZ COMMUNITY that create breathtaking images & videos that captivate their audiences all over social media! More and more people are using these platforms as a way to express themselves and showcase their art. I talked with 5 photographers who are doing just that and have created their own image online.

What inspired you to start creating?As long as I can remember, I've had a very vivid imagination and the idea of seeing it come to life would really excite me when I was a kid. I used to wake up at like 5 in the morning to watch Saturday morning cartoons and I remember being so hyped and excited to see new episodes of my favorite shows. I knew I wanted to tell stories and create images like those, and I wanted people to feel the same excitement I would (and high-key still do) feel when I watch my favorite cartoons and sci-fi shows.

What kind of gear do you use?I have three children. For photography, I use a Canon 80D. I have two lenses that I typically use which is a basic 50mm lens and 24 mm lens. I'm making it a goal to get a couple of more this year that I've been wanting to try out. For videography, I shoot with a Sony a6500 that I just recently paid off finally (yay!). I have a 50 mm lens that I honestly rarely use. I primarily use an 18-105 mm lens because of its range of options. I also have DJI Mavic Pro (my third child) which is a drone. I use it to capture aerial shots like landscapes. Other than that, I have a MacBook Pro that I work off of and I'm pretty dedicated to the Adobe Creative Suites programs.

How do you process your images after a shoot?I pretty much stick with Adobe. For photos, I edit on Photoshop and for video, I work between Premiere Pro and After Effects for when my video requires special effects. Adobe really makes it easy to take care of everything I need without needing to download a ton of programs.

What message are you trying to convey with your photography?I want to make every women I photograph feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Women empowerment is the message behind my photographs.

Do you always shoot digitally?​All my photographs are taken digitally and prefer shooting digitally because I like having control. I'm super nit-picky when getting the shot I need, so I will have to pass on film photography. Although I have experimented film photography and appreciate the art (so much) I enjoy taking digital images and post processing so much more.​What motivates you to keep creating?If I’m not photographing/editing my images, I spend most of my time on social media looking at other creative’s work. Seeing my online creative friends share their work, keeps me motivated.

What/who inspired you to start creating?I've been inspired to create for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory was making a play-doh canvas in preschool. for the most inspiration it would be music. Whenever I listen to a special track that really sticks to my head I can visualize a movie in my head and then I bring it to life. There are many people that I can name that have all inspired me but the person that sticks out is my boyfriend (partner) Christian. He's really pushed me to go to film school and helped me achieved my passion in film-making. I wouldn't be as creative as I am now without his help. I owe everything to him.

What camera and lens do you shoot with?For the past 2 years I was shooting on the Sony a6300 paired with the Sony 35 mm f1.8 lens. That combo seriously has given me so many opportunities and literally shaped my artistic style. I have just recently upgraded to the Sony a7iii with the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 lens and its seriously the perfect combo for both video and photo.

What do you use to edit your photos end videos? For photos I use Enlight app. I'm always on my phone and to have an app on the go is super helpful and the creations are limitless. For Video I use Adobe Premiere Pro.

What motivates you to keep creating?Despite how stressful the business aspect of photography can be, I keep shooting because I genuinely love the process. Having no inspiration to shoot some days, having models flaking on you, or even having rain ruin your perfect concept, are situations that every photographer eventually has to deal with. This is all a part of the process. I can't speak for everyone when I say this, but for me, there's nothing more satisfying than the anticipation of taking a perfect photo. That single feeling is what allows me to continue picking up the camera. I've also lived in the same city my entire life so knowing I haven't seen even one whole percent of what the world has to offer only further motivates me to keep shooting.​Do you prefer film or digital? Why? Have you experimented with both?I started out with photography by shooting and developing my own film then slowly transitioned into shooting digital. I don't necessarily have a preference for either, but I can definitely say that digital is far more convenient and inexpensive than film so that's what I majorly shoot on.

What message are you trying to convey with your photography?If anything, I want my photos to tell my story and the stories of those around me. If by doing so, I happen to evoke a series of emotions in the people I choose to share it with then so be it, but my goal since I've started photography, was simply to express who I am as a person and to have fun doing it. Maybe at some point down the line, that will change and i'll have a greater motive in creating my art, but for now, my message is to do whatever makes you happy in life and to ignore anything else that doesn't.

What (or who) inspired you to start creating?​My love for photography began at a very young age through watching my father’s journey as a photographer. My house was filled with photo albums from the countless pictures of family and different events that he would attend. As a young child, I was inspired by these photos and wanted to one day do photography as well. I started photography during my first year of high school when I acquired my first point and shoot Canon Camera. I would take pictures and videos of my friends throughout our days in high school and would also film music videos for myself and my close friend Trevion Richardson. During my last year of high school, I had my first hands-on experience working with a Canon DSLR (Canon T3), which my friend Jordan Hays let me borrow at the time. I immediately fell in love with the quality of the camera that would come from the photos that I would take. Once I graduated and went on to college at CSUF, I no longer had access to Jordan's camera so I asked my oldest sister if she could get me a camera body. Luckily, it was my birthday during that month and I was able to receive my first Canon Camera body. My mom then gave me enough money to purchase an 18-50mm lens, which led me to began capturing every moment of my college experience. At the time, I didn't consider myself a professional photographer and spent a majority of my time learning Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, and Lightroom. I would take pictures and videos of my college friends and edit every single day. As I transitioned into the spring semester of my freshman year, I was able to to have my first paid photoshoot with a former student from my high school, Karay Franklin. Although it was my first real shoot, I felt very comfortable, and we were able to create some magic. Fast forward into the summer after my freshman year, I began to take photography more seriously. I worked at a local pizza shop for three months and was able to save up enough to get an improved camera body & lens, a Canon 60d and a Tokina 11-16mm lens. Once those two items were acquired, I started doing a lot more photoshoots with different models. People would reach out to me, connections were made, and through that, I was able to build a large enough portfolio to create my website, www.visualsbyeze.com. During my Sophomore year, I noticed that there was a lack of online representation of African American students at the CSUF campus and I wanted to make it my duty to change that. I was able to start working directly with the Black Student Union (BSU) and African American Resource Center to showcase all of the events and the people that were within their organizations. Through my efforts, the first BSU website (csufbsu.weebly.com) was created, that displayed the phenomenal diaspora of black students on our campus. From then on, my strong work ethic and faith in God propelled me into this journey as a full-time professional photographer/videographer.

The LGBTQ+ community is home to some of the most creative artists that are constantly revolutionizing their space. Music has always been a way for people to connect with each other, which is why this article is a perfect fit for the CTXYZ Community page.I interviewed 5 artists from across the U.S. that are creating some amazing and unique music!

The beauty industry is booming and has been, especially in recent years! Reports show that the global cosmetic products market was valued at around 532 billion dollars in 2017 and is expected to reach approximately 863 billion by 2024! Insane right?! Makeup has always been viewed as an art form, but creativity within the beauty community has also spiked in recent years! Social media has given people the opportunity to share their art with the world and catapulted them to success. I've always been intrigued with makeup and the work that goes into it!

I follow a TON of awesome makeup artists/enthusiast but these kings are killing it! Read below as I interviewed some of my favorites and got some insight on what their experience has been like and their favorite products!

What inspired and ultimately led to you picking up that first makeup brush?

I was an insecure teen. When I came out and became comfortable with who I was and who I wanted to be, makeup was the way for me to express myself and feel at my most confident every day. It wasn’t until a couple of years that I realized I wanted to help others feel the same way I did with cosmetics. And that’s when I pursued a career in beauty.

Do you think there is room for improvement within the beauty community?

There’s always room for improvement. I feel like a lot of people in the community are focusing on their social media acceptance instead of focusing on their craft. We’re all turning into these bots that are worried about how to one-up the next "challenge" and how to get more likes and followers. It’s been going on for a while but things feel less genuine than ever before.

If you could only use one eyeshadow palette forever, what would it be and why?

The Morphe 35O eyeshadow palette. If I’m going to use one eyeshadow palette forever, it better be one with 35 shades! Also these colors are like my go-tos. I’m obsessed with gold, brown, orange & red shadows.

What are your thoughts on brands not catering to men/non-binary/trans people in makeup?

The makeup industry was strictly catered to women for so long, so I understand that it is second nature to continue that (old habits die hard). But in the same way that brands are feeling the pressure to be more inclusive of all skin tones, they need to be inclusive of men, non-binary and trans people as well.

If you could only use one eyeshadow palette forever, what would it be and why?

I’m a fan of color, especially blues and purples. So If I had to pick only one palette, it would be the Vivid Pigment Palette from Coloured Raine.

What’s your go-to foundation? In what shade?

In the summer, my go-to foundation is NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation in “Mocha” because it helps to control my oil and shine. Currently in the winter, Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in "Tiramisu" is my fav. It’s more hydrating than CSWS but it doesn’t have me looking like a shiny mess.

I have always been a creative person from a young age, the first thing that led me to pick up that makeup brush was when I watched Rupaul's Drag Race season 2 when i saw raven transform herself into that glamazonian creature.

Do you think there is room for improvement within the beauty community?

Yes, if the improvement is genuine. We can improve the industry especially the lack of representation of POC in the beauty industry, especially male POC. Also we can support and bring new faces to the industry, instead of recycling the same individuals.

Do you think there is room for improvement within the beauty community?

​I definitely believe that the Beauty Community has a huge amount of room for improvement however I also have to acknowledge the steps that a lot of people have taken to educate themselves and grow. The beauty community in general though does still need a major boost of knowledge, acceptance, and compassion.

What’s your go-to foundation? In what shade?

As of right now my favorite foundation is either the Makeup Revolution Fast Base Foundation Stick “F12 + F13” or the Black Radiance True Color Foundation in the shade Caramel.

What’s your favorite lip combo?

My new found favorite lip combo is the Nyx “Nutmeg” Lipliner with the Stila matte liquid lip in “Fia” topped off with the ColourPop “Neat Freak” Ultra Glossy Lip they did in collab with Makeup Shayla.

​One day I got my makeup done only because I was curious to see what I’d look like. The end result fascinated me . I saw that more boys were starting to wear makeup and a couple months after, I bought my first brushes, foundation and other things I thought I’d need. What inspired me the most and made me want to take makeup serious was the art of it and how I can apply my creativity on my face and create something colorful and fun.

Do you think there is room for improvement within the beauty community?

There is definitely room for improvement in the beauty community. There’s so many small influencers or artist that deserve the recognition. No matter how much time we spend practicing and creating content, I think we can always do more and go above than what we think we can do. I hope one day we can all support each other and make it an even more successful community.

What’s your go-to foundation? In what shade?

​My go-to foundation would definitely be the Too Faced Born this way foundation in the shade “Natural Beige”. I always get compliments on my skin with it.

What are your thoughts on brands not catering to men/non-binary/trans people in makeup?

It’s hard enough being a WOC in the beauty industry, then being a male in the industry is tough. Try being a dark skinned male in the beauty community?! It’s hurtful and heartbreaking when brands aren’t catering towards men/non-binary/trans people in makeup, specifically men of color. It sometimes feels as though they don’t think it’s fair, right or just to support men in makeup when in actuality it’s men/men of color who are turning heads and catching the attention of the general public and giving a new definition of beauty and inclusivity!

If you could only use one eyeshadow palette forever, what would it be and why?​Morphe x James Charles “Artistry Palette”. Literally can do anything with that Palette! I can contour, bronze, highlight and create any eye look! SisterSlayed with that Palette, lol.

​My go to Foundation is the Milani 2-1 Conceal and perfect Foundation “02 Natural”. Their shade range was kinda eh. But they are working on their shade ranges and I’m very excited for that. Because now I can recommend it to anyone.

Do you think there is room for improvement within the beauty community?

A lot of improvement, I feel like we see the same people and talk about the same people. We need new faces to be given the spotlight. I understand those people worked hard to get where they are. We need something fresh though. Because there are soooo many talented people out there.

If you could only use one eyeshadow palette forever, what would it be and why?

Eyeshadow man. That’s my favorite thing when it comes to make up honestly. And that’s a very very hard question to answer. But! I would have to say my favorite formula is from Sugarpill and [...] you can build your own eyeshadow palette! And mine would most likely be the rainbow hehe. A close second though is anything from Acebeaute. ​

What inspired and ultimately led to you picking up that first makeup brush?

So I've always been artist (I draw, paint, create, etc.) And enjoyed the art of makeup from afar but never thought anything of it until 2016 when I was out of a job and annoyed with my college major. It basically lead to my first job in makeup at a counter. From there I learned the basics and with the help of my manager at the time/best friend I learned LOTS of techniques. I ended up dropping out of college and chasing a career in makeup.

​Do you think there is room for improvement within the beauty community?

Absolutely. There still a lot of inconsistencies in the community. Brands need to do better to cater to POC, especially those with deeper and richer skintones. As well as having variety in undertones. Also as a crowd we have to stop putting those who are of problematic nature on the pedestal. I see it happen way too often in this community. It is also important to start supporting smaller creators and smaller brands. Specially POC owned businesses.

Daniel Hermosillo and Samüel Cortez are two artists based in California that create some of the most amazing and thought-provoking artwork I've ever seen. Whenever I come across an illustration I'm blown away by the overall personal aesthetic they each have.Both artists are uniquely talented and I've been obsessed with their art for a while.​Read below as they each share their stories, including sources of inspiration and what's planned for the future!PLUS - See photos of their artwork & check them out on social media!

Daniel Hermosillo — Long Beach, CA — 24

"As long as I’m creating and telling a story somehow, I am happy."

What inspired you to start creating?"When I was in preschool, my teacher was huge on arts and crafts. It really awakened my creativity and as time went by, I would spend hours drawing in notebooks and hang my best drawings on my fridge. A few years later, my family went through a rough patch and the only way I could express myself and my emotions was through art. When I was in transitioning into high school, I was able to get accepted into a great art program that helped me develop this passion. I was able to focus on bettering my skill while telling stories and expressing ongoing emotions through art."

Is there a piece of artwork you’re most proud of?"My senior year of Art School, I created and illustrated a gender fluid + body positive Fall lookbook/survival guide. I spent an entire semester working on that, creating characters, and fun outfits to show how fun it is to express ourselves through fashion, even if it means wearing sweats and a tee. I received great feedback from classmates and professors I respected. I learned so much about myself, others, and gender identity in the process (as well as trends and fashion of course.)" [PHOTOS ABOVE]​What do you have planned for the future?"I really want to get back into character design or fashion illustration. I’m still trying to figure things out, but I’m freelancing and doing commissions on my free time to stay busy. I also want to post work that I never posted, for whatever reason, and share some cool illustrations I cherish with others and hopefully inspire at least one person."

Daniel is an ongoing inspiration in my life, both with his creativity and personal integrity. With the use of beautiful color palletes, he has a way of telling stories and bringing them to life through his artwork. My favorites are the self-portraits & fashion illustrations! Not only an amazing artist, but an amazing friend as well.

Samüel Cortez — San Jose, CA — 23

"I had these visions in my head and I wanted to draw them out... Now it’s just second nature for me to draw something."

What is your go-to medium to express your creativity?"Originally it was always a classic paper and pencil. Never really went too far from it. Although at the moment its been a while since I’ve touched either of those. Now you’ll always find me with my iPad. I use the program Procreate and I can safely say it changed my whole world."

Who is a creative that you admire?"This is such hard question. I admire so many people! I will say that two major influences in my work at the moment are Francisco Goya and Norman Rockwell. I’ve been working on some stuff that is heavily influenced by them both. I love the style of Rockwell and the profound depth of Goya’s work. If I were to describe my current self right now in my work I would have to say that I am located in a purgatory between these two."

Is there a piece of artwork you’re most proud of?"I would definitely say there’s a specific group of illustrations that have a lot of meaning to me. Back in August I drew a set of 3 illustrations. To me these were made in a very dark time. Although to me they are the 3 that stick out from what I have done before. They all have this energy to them. Most of that energy is anguish, yet to me it’s a symbol of progress. Palm trees are my favorites, I have them tattooed on me. I absolutely have this attachment to them, I don’t know why or how but it’s been like that since I was a child. 2 of these 3 works show palm trees up flames. I poured a lot out of myself on to these and I feel that to me they’re some of my best work. It’s my grief but I’ll hold it up proud knowing that I’ve survived that time." ​[PHOTOS ABOVE]

I came across Samüel's page about 11 months ago and instantly fell in love with his artistry. Definitely one of my favorite portrait artists, with an IG feed FULL of them! (I LIVE for his Gaga drawings.) Each illustration conveys it's own message, all while sticking to Samüel's brand. He constantly amazes me with his work and I'm so glad I'm able to witness it.